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Andre Villas-Boas admitted it was an emotional occasion as Tottenham were beaten 4-2 by his former club Chelsea.

Last Updated: 20/10/12 5:37pm

The Portuguese was unceremoniously axed by the Blues back in March after just a few months at the helm and did not enjoy the reunion with his ex-employers at White Hart Lane on Saturday afternoon.

Juan Mata stole the show for the Blues with two second half goals, with Gary Cahill and Daniel Sturridge also on target for the visitors, while Spurs responded through William Gallas and Jermain Defoe.

Villas-Boas told Sky Sports: "It was a game full of emotion and there were lots of chances for both teams.

"We became very strong in the second half and turned things around but individual brilliance and the creativeness of Chelsea unlocked the defence and settled the game.

"We have been on a good run but now we have to bounce back.

"When you have players of this commitment, desire and ambition you have to bounce back from adversity. There are 30 more games ahead of us."

On the absence of Gareth Bale, who pulled out before kick-off after his partner went into labour, the Portuguese added: "He was missed but we have very, very good players and options.

"You saw how they behaved. (Gylfi) Sigurdsson came in and played very well. The squad is good and we have good players."